FORMER Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti has emerged as the new frontrunner to replace Tim Sherwood as Tottenham boss in a move that could see Spurs beat Chelsea to Brazilian striker Hulk.

Spalletti was sacked by Zenit last week and, according to reports in Russia, has already made contact with Tottenham's technical director Franco Baldini to indicate his interest in the role.

Spalletti took over as Roma boss the year after Baldini left to become a director at Real Madrid but the two are believed to hold each other in high regard.

Tim Sherwood's position at Spurs became ever-more tenuous with defeat in the north London derby on Sunday, and while there would be a number of interested parties should the position become vacant, Spalletti meets many of Spurs' criteria.

FIFA agent Shandor Varga told Izvestia: "Spalletti is an experienced coach who is very highly-regarded in the transfer market.

I would not be at all surprised if Luciano ends up managing Tottenham.

FIFA agent Shandor Varga

"AC Milan and Inter both dreamed of signing Spalletti but Zenit didn't want to let the manager return home.

"Now in Milan Seedorf and Mazzarri are sure to remain in charge next season so Spalletti has no chance of returning to Italy.

"A move to England? Why not? Working at Zenit Spalletti has proved he can calmly adapt to another country and achieve results.

"I would not be at all surprised if Luciano ends up managing Tottenham.

"He knows how to work with stars, which is very important for the London club's president Daniel Levy."

Should Tottenham move for Spalletti it would also appear to give Spurs an advantage in the chase for Brazilian striker Hulk, who is thought to be keen on a move away from Russia following the Italian's departure and has been linked with the White Hart Lane club, as well as Chelsea.